Those pressuring Tinubu to restructure Nigeria are self-serving groups – ACF

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has described those calling for constitutional review in the country as self-serving groups, noting that President Bola Tinubu may be tempted to make another attempt at “an unnecessary constitution review before the end of their tenure.”

Recently, The Patriots, a group of elder statesmen led by Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former secretary-general of the Commonwealth, met with Tinubu and asked for a new constitution or the adoption of the report of the 2014 National Conference.

In what seems like a response to the request, Chairman of the ACF Board of Trustees, Bashir Dalhatu, who addressed a meeting of the Board of Trustees and other northern leaders in Kaduna on Wednesday, noted that the North was not afraid of change, but will always put its legitimate interest first.

In a passionate appeal to Northern leaders, he called for collective action to address the escalating crises plaguing the region, noting that leaders of the region needed to come together and confront the challenges threatening it

“We are here today because our region is facing unprecedented challenges. Insecurity, poverty, environmental degradation, corruption, and the undermining of traditional institutions are threatening our very existence,” he said.

He emphasised that the meeting was not about politics or partisanship, but about finding solutions to the region’s problems,

Speaking about constitution review and restructuring, Dalhatu stated, “We are not afraid of change. We are ready to consider proposals that promote our legitimate interests. But we will not be dictated to. We will not be marginalized

“Going by the pronouncements and actions of some officials of the Federal Government especially given recent pressures coming from some self-serving groups, the presidency may not be averse to making a similar attempt at an unnecessary constitution review before the end of their tenure.

“Whether or not the federal government sponsors one or more exercises at constitutional review, it is necessary to dispel the impression that the North is shy, or is averse to or afraid of any review of the Nigerian Constitution. Nothing can be further from the truth.

“We must put all and sundry on notice that the North is ready, now and in the future, and will be willing to consider any proposals for changing the constitution as well as the administrative structure of Nigeria that may be put on the table. If and when the occasion arises, the North will surely use whatever is available to it in pursuit of its legitimate interests.”

Emphasising the need for unity and collective action, the BoT chairman noted that, “We are stronger together. Let us work together to build a brighter future for the North.”

Dalhatu identified the need to revitalize and re-strategize the ACF as a key priority.

Speaking about corruption, Dalhatu declared corruption as the most significant threat to Nigeria’s peace, security, and development.

He emphasized that corruption was a pervasive menace that affected all levels of society, both within and outside government offices, leading to bad governance and a multitude of evils.

Speaking further, the chairman noted that the organization was grappling with a multitude of challenges that threatened its existence, saying that the ACF has failed for not protecting the region’s interest.

He expressed concern over the proliferation of groups duplicating the ACF’s functions and mandate which has further eroded its influence.